Teen Help and the Hype on Self-Esteem
Teen help that comes in the form of “Self-Esteem” programs has been subject to a great deal of criticism. The current pop psychology suggests that self-esteem can be bolstered by eliminating challenges that the teen might fail at, or by giving indiscriminate praise, no matter what the teen actually does.
Unfortunately, such programs render the teen incapable of meeting life’s demands, crippling his development and allowing for the type of immaturity that can easily lead to teen age drug abuse and other intrinsically selfish behavior.
Teens at risk are far better served by honesty. They so easily detect phoniness and grow to distrust adults, or even friends, who don’t care enough to say what is true or appear unable to recognize the truth.
Click the link below for the article the following synopsis comes from. There are simple and practical ways of helping a teen think well of themselves.
Relevant Tags:drug abuse, immaturity, phoniness, pop psychology, selfish behavior, self esteem, teen help
- Self-esteem is indeed important but the way to achieve is isn’t by blurring reality. _ has some very practical advice on how parents can work with their teens in developing authentic self-esteem.
- Provide Opportunities. Get kids involved in tasks that are slightly above their current level of functioning….
- Model Positive Thinking. Exhibiting a negative attitude can easily rub off on kids…
- Model Problem-Solving. Many kids are often uncomfortable when things don’t come easy because they don’t have the skills to manage roadblocks….
- Don’t Rescue. Avoid the urge to jump in at the first sign of frustration….
- Use Praise Properly. Don’t waste praise on simple or effortless tasks..
- Nice try. Despite our best attempts, we don’t succeed at everything….
